Club profile: Brokenhead Trailblazers Power Toboggan Club

Since 1970, this club has promoted and protected the interests of snowmobilers in and around Beausejour, Manitoba

by Kirsten Armleder

A long line of snowmobilers going through the woods on a trail.
The club maintains over 230 kilometres of trails. photo courtesy Brokenhead Trailblazers Power Toboggan Club

It should come as no surprise that the Brokenhead Trailblazers Power Toboggan Club, based in Beausejour, Manitoba, has strong ties to the local snowmobile racing scene. In fact, many of its members are still actively involved in the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships. But that’s only one side to this club’s story. Over the years, it has evolved to meet the wants of more recreational riders, creating what is now a 230-kilometre trail system. With 90 per cent of the system being one-way, the riding here is safe and suitable for snowmobilers of all ages and abilities. In 2017, the club received an award from SnoRiders for being voted the top SledTown in Manitoba.

Main Beausejour snowmobile trail

The North Trail No. 50 is a popular route as it leads into the scenic Mars Sand Hill Management area. Riders can also stop along the way at the Jim Longbottom’s Shelter where there is a wood stove and an outhouse. Farther north, this trail joins up with the Northstar Hillclimbers’ trail system. To the west, it connects with the Springhill Trailblazers’ system and to the east, the Mooswa Lake Snow Riders.

Where is the staging area?

The club’s main staging area and clubhouse is located 16 kilometres north of Beausejour. If you are coming from Winnipeg, take Highway 59 north to Mile 80N, turn right and continue to Mile 39E. Turn left at municipal marker 80076, which is six kilometres from the intersection. The parking lot is plowed regularly and it has security cameras. The clubhouse is heated and it has a kitchen and bathroom facilities. If members are notified prior to your arrival, they will make sure it’s open.

Snowmobile clubhouse in the summertime.
Pictured here is the clubhouse and groomer shed in the background. photo courtesy Brokenhead Trailblazers Power Toboggan Club

Where to get trail passes for snowmobiling in Beausejour

To ride the trails in Beausejour, snowmobilers will need to purchase a Snoman Inc. trail pass from a Manitoba Public Insurance outlet. It is $150 for the annual pass and $75.50 for a seven-day pass.

Groomer:

The club operates a 1999 Bombardier BR275+ with a 12-foot Mogul Master drag.

A groomer with mogul master drag.
Happiness is a freshly groomed trail. photo courtesy Brokenhead Trailblazers Power Toboggan Club

Warm-up shelters

The club maintains the Jim Longbottom’s Shelter and a Clubhouse.

Jim Longbottom Shelter in Beausejour.
Stop at the Jim Longbottom's Shelter for a snack while you explore Trail No. 50. photo courtesy Brokenhead Trailblazers Power Toboggan Club

Club meetings

A club meeting takes place every first Thursday of the month from September to April at the clubhouse. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and usually last for 1½ hours with goodies and socializing afterwards.

Annual snowmobile events for Beausejour

  • The club has a Summer Windup on the second Sunday in June, a Corn Roast toward the end of August and a Christmas Party on the second Saturday or Sunday in December.
  • The Teen Challenge Sled for Eternity is a popular event that raises money for a charitable cause. It takes place in various locations in Manitoba and the Brokenhead Trailblazers participate each year.
  • Beausejour is home to the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships (CPTC) where top racers from Canada and the U.S. come to compete on the area’s legendary ice oval track. The CPTC kicks off in December with a Season Opener and the Championship is held in March.

 

Ice oval racers in Beausejour
The Canadian Power Toboggan Championships are a popular event. photo courtesy Brokenhead Trailblazers Power Toboggan Club

How to join the Brokenhead Trailblazers

It is $25 for a family membership and $20 for a single membership. See the club’s website or Facebook page to download the form, which can then be mailed to the club. For more information, you can contact the club by email.

Connect with the Brokenhead Trailblazers:

Club start date:

1970

Average number of members:

There are 75 to 80 members in the club and that includes children.

Current president:

Jodie Voth (2016-2017)

Have you gone snowmobiling in Beausejour? Have photos? Share them with SnoRiders and you will be entered to win cool prizes in our Hotshots contest

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